The International School of Denver has provided globally-focused education for over four decades. Our school starts with our youngest learners at age three in a 90% language immersion program, including time spent abroad in Lower and Middle School, all in a diverse and international community. (Today, we have citizens represented from 34 nations.) If you are seeking international independent education for your child in the Denver area with an average class size of no more than 20 students, review the most common questions prospective parents have about our school.

What is the Learning Philosophy at ISDenver?

Everything we do at ISDenver is driven by our mission, vision, values, and community principles. We provide an inclusive learning environment to create students who are adept in international culture and prepared to make positive global contributions as highly motivated bilingual leaders. In addition to this mission, our vision includes:

• Creating culture and curriculum with a global focus
• Helping students develop into well-rounded individuals who share our core values of perseverance, responsibility, compassion, integrity, and diversity
• Providing students with the advanced STEAM knowledge they need for an ever-evolving future
• Individualizing the approach to learning for each student
• Cultivating an experienced, dedicated faculty that adheres to current pedagogy
• Creating a cohesive learning community of students, parents, faculty, staff members, and alumni

We expect students and other community members to commit to our mission, vision, and values by following these guiding principles:

• Making positive contributions to our community
• Behaving in an open-minded and principled way
• Treating others with dignity
• Respecting ourselves

The International School of Denver holds accreditation from International Baccalaureate as an IB World School. IB schools must have a proven curriculum that supports students in achieving personal and academic excellence.

What are the Four Learning Cycles?

We use a progressive bilingual education model that promotes intense language immersion from preschool through grade two. In grades three through five, children will switch to a 50/50 instruction model combining English with their chosen language. Grades six to eight students attend block

schedules with an emphasis on their preferred languages. This system strives to make the most of the early years when children are developmentally best able to learn multiple languages.

What Else Does the ISDenver Curriculum Include?

In addition to our focus on language, students will engage in:

• A cutting-edge STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art, and mathematics) program includes a full music suite, art rooms, 3D printers, robotics equipment, AV equipment, and labs for science, tech, and design.
• An emphasis on community service outside the classroom for students in the middle grades.
• A fine arts program including instruction in visual art, performing art, and music.
• Physical education and health programs with a global perspective, focusing on games and popular activities from around the world as well as competitive opportunities for track, cross country, basketball, and ultimate frisbee.

As an inclusive learning community, we are able to provide students with a diverse array of support services as needed. We offer counseling, academic support, social and emotional support, and literacy and organizational skills.

What are the Advantages of Private Global Education at ISDenver?

When your child studies at ISDenver, they benefit from an international language curriculum accredited by the French and Spanish, with the highest recognition from the Chinese governments. Our programs also adhere to U.S. and Colorado state curriculum guidelines.

Peer-reviewed research studies have associated bilingual education with a host of cognitive and emotional benefits, including:

• Enhanced opportunities in postsecondary education and careers
• A higher level of emotional sensitivity to diverse people and cultures
• Enhanced math abilities, logic skills, creative abilities, and problem-solving skills
• Development of healthy self-esteem
• Higher likelihood of learning third and subsequent languages

Do colleges look at private schools differently?

While most universities do not publicly release their admissions criteria, we know that private schools have higher college admissions rates than public schools. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, almost 96% of private school graduates go on to college or university in an average year, compared to about 71% of public school graduates.

Do ISDenver Students Have International Travel Opportunities?

With our Classroom Without Walls program, ISDenver is proud to be the only elementary school in Denver offering international field trips, including travel to China, France, and Spain, as well as many domestic locations. Upper school students (those between grades five and eight) will spend an average of 24 days abroad.

Typically, our fifth graders will spend 10 to 14 days abroad. During their visit to another nation, they engage in cultural activities, perform service projects, and visit our international partner classrooms. In addition, our eighth graders complete a service-learning graduation capstone project in Costa Rica.

What Extracurricular Activities Does ISDenver Offer?

ISDenver offers more than three dozen clubs and activities for students as well as seven different sports. A few of the extracurricular offerings include ballet club, girls on the run, Math Counts, taekwondo, first LEGO league, and yearbook club.

How Can Parents Get Involved in Student Life at ISDenver?

We love parent volunteers! Parents can get involved in a variety of ways, depending on the time they have to commit and their passions. If you are a busy parent and dropping your kids off at school is all you can commit to, we also get that. There isn’t a requirement for volunteerism, although we ask our families to contribute 10 hours a school year if possible. Through volunteer committees with our PTO and our fundraising team, we have a number of ways that parents can stay connected to each other, engage with new families, and support our unique multicultural, multilingual education.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

The all-inclusive tuition price for the 2020-2021 school year is as follows: • ECE (K1-K3): $19,500

• Lower School (G1-G5): $19,250
• Middle School (G6-G8): $21,400

Financial assistance is available!

How Does My Child Apply?

You can start your child's application for admission here

The admission deadline for the 2021-2022 school year is January 31, 2021. However, some programs offer rolling admissions and may have space available after the application deadline.

If you're interested in learning more about the opportunities for your child at the International School of Denver, we can't wait to meet you. Reach out to our team to request more information today.